Hairdryer Assembly with Interchangeable Styling Cartridges

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge that can attach and detach from a hairdryer. Prior to, concurrent with or subsequent to hair drying, a user can activate the cartridge to dispel, mist, steam or otherwise disperse the cartridge&#39;s product onto the user&#39;s hair, skin, scalp or fur. Each cartridge can contain various hair treatment products, styling products and/or nutrients. A cartridge can attach and detach at various points along the hairdryer including but not limited to inside the front outlet or rear inlet, primarily annularly around either the front outlet or rear inlet, along the top of the housing, through the core of the housing, or in the handle. The hairdryer also has improved heat transfer, fluid flow, reduced noise and vibration, weight and a shorter main housing barrel to make it easier for a user to treat and style the user&#39;s hair, skin, scalp or fur.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of blow-dryers. More specifically,the present invention relates to a hairdryer for heating and drying hairon a human head or animal fur while concurrently styling and infusingthe hair or fur with nutrients, silicones, oils, powders, herbs,proteins, panthenols, colors, moisturizers, conditioners, fragrances,steam and/or vitamins. This hairdryer is designed such that aninterchangeable and/or refillable cartridge or cartridges containingdiverse hairstyling and treatment products can simply attach and detachfrom the hairdryer. These cartridges can connect to the main hairdryerhousing at various positions, including but not limited to inside theprimary inlet or outlet or annularly around the primary inlet or outlet.

Additionally, instead of a solid housing duct for transferring heat fromthe fan and heat exchanger to the user's hair for styling, treating anddrying, this invention describes the construction of a hairdryer with amain duct with at least one opening to optimize fluid flow, heattransfer and user experience. This invention also describes improvementson handle design for better user experience, dampener components toreduce hairdryer noise and vibration and additional ducts for improvedair flow and heating control.

Description of the Related Art

There are several blow-dryers on the market. However, none address thelong felt need of being able to dry and style hair quickly whileconcurrently infusing moisturizing, conditioning, styling and treatmentproducts into the hair, skin, fur and scalp all without tiring one'sarms, or burning one's hair or scalp. Additionally, there is a need tohave small volumes of styling products when traveling or in lieu ofpurchasing large and undesired quantities of product that can expire, bedifficult to transport or difficult to use while concurrently drying andstyling hair. Additionally, there is a need to minimize blow-dryer noiseand vibration of the hairdryer and hairdryer components.

Curtin in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,771 teaches attaching a nozzle to the endof a conventional hairdryer wherein an impregnated pad saturated with afragrance can be inserted across the cross-section of the nozzle.However Curtin does not teach being able to connect a capsule directlyon the main housing of the hairdryer or alternative methods forattaching a capsule such as a friction fit, magnet or snap piece.Further, Curtin does not teach using a liquid or gel containing capsule.

West in U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,800 teaches attaching a nozzle to the barrelend of a hair dryer. West teaches the nozzle contains a substrate whichis coated with a solid deodorizing material or solid fragrance whereinair passing over this material or fragrance will cause the material tovaporize and release scent or deodorizer into the air stream. HoweverWest does not teach that the substrate can contain a non-soliddeodorizing or fragrance material or that the substrate can releaseconditioners, moisturizers, treatments, vitamins or other hairstylingcompounds.

Langley, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 8,407,913 teach a hairdryer with aninterchangeably connectable attachment. Langley teaches a plurality ofbosses or lugs for locking the attachment onto the end of the hairdryerbarrel. However, Langley does not teach that the attachment could beattached with a friction fit or magnets. Langley also teaches aplurality of perforations along the attachment for mixing ambient airinto the attachment but does not teach being able to attach and detach acartridge containing hairstyling or treating products in and out ofthese perforations. Langley teaches a conditioner infuser cartridge tobe inserted into the attachment which attaches to the barrel of thehairdryer. However the insertion of the infuser cartridge onto the endof an attachment attached to the end of a hairdryer barrel makes theentire length of hairdryer barrel long, off-balance and difficult for auser to use. Additionally, the distance the user must hold the hairdryerfrom the user's head to dry, style or treat is significantly increasedwhich is what this present invention attempts to solve. Further Langleydoes not teach having multiple cartridges located at various pointsalong the hairdryer, the ability to press a button to change how andwhich cartridge is activated and using cartridges that contain solid,gel or liquid materials.

Altamore in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,537 teaches a hairdryer with multipleinlets near the outlet of the housing. However Altamore teaches thatthese inlets are for directing air current into the body of thehairdryer, across the motor and back toward the housing inlet forcooling purposes. Altamore does not teach any cartridge attachment thatcan vaporize, aerate or otherwise expel or disperse a styling ortreatment product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a non-limiting written description of embodimentsillustrating various aspects of this invention. As used herein, the termhairdryer means a device that blows air, product or heat streams ontothe hair or fur of a person or animal to remove moisture or wetness fromthe hair or fur. The term hairdryer is considered synonymous with theterms hair dryer, hair-dryer, hair blower, blow dryer or blow-dryer. Asused herein the term cartridge means an enclosed capsule, cartouche, boxor container made for ready adhesion, insertion or alternativeconnection into a machine or device. The term impeller is consideredsynonymous with the term fan.

This invention relates to a hairdryer containing a removable and/orinterchangeable cartridge or multiple cartridges that can spray, mist,infuse, disperse, diffuse or transmit hairstyling products, dyes,nutrients or treatments into the hair, scalp or fur. The cartridge orcartridges contain an amount of hairstyling product, treatment or dyethat can be activated for use on the hair by a button on the hairdryermanually by a user, by a remote device, or via a passive continuousdispersion. The cartridge product can be in the form of, but is notlimited to a powder, gel, liquid, solid, pressurized liquid or gas.Additionally, in preferred embodiments of this invention, a user canrefill a cartridge by removing the cartridge from the hairdryer andopening a resealable flap, aperture or hatch to insert, fill orotherwise add new product. The refilled and/or reused interchangeableand resealable cartridge can then be reinserted or reattached to thehairdryer for use.

The hairdryer can also be used to dry hair. The user has buttons on thehairdryer, manual controls or remote controls that can switch fromhairdrying to cartridge product dispersion, or concurrent drying andproduct dispersion at the user's discretion or automatically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The cartridge or multiple cartridges can be located anywhere in thehairdryer including, but not limited to, the front of the main bodyhousing primarily inside the primary outlet, primarily outside theprimary outlet, or partially inside the primary outlet. In preferredembodiments the cartridge or cartridges may mount, rest or affix atleast partially annularly around the outside or at least partiallyannularly around the inside of the hairdryer housing primary inlet orprimary outlet. In alternative embodiments the cartridge or cartridgescan be toward the center, through the center, or toward the back portionof the main body housing. In another embodiment the cartridge can belocated in the handle of the hairdryer. In another embodiment, thecartridge can be an attachment piece or part of an attachment assemblysuch as a diffuser on the hairdryer.

The cartridge or cartridges can attach and detach to the hairdryer withthe use of magnetic force. The hairdryer body and cartridge can eachhave a magnetic piece that hold the cartridge in place by magneticforce. The cartridge connected to the hairdryer by magnetic force can beremoved from the hairdryer by pressing a button on the hairdryer thatchanges the polarity of the magnets, causing the cartridge to decouplefrom the hairdryer. Alternatively, a user can rotate, press, orotherwise activate the cartridge to remove it from the hairdryer. Thisfunctionality allows a user to easily change the hairdryer cartridge andswitch to a new cartridge or a cartridge with different product.

Alternatively, the cartridge or cartridges can attach and detach fromthe hairdryer by use of a screw assembly, friction or suction force,keyway, cam lock or snap mechanism.

Each hairdryer described herein has a motor to rotate an impeller. Themotor can be, but is not limited to a DC, AC or universal type motor.The DC motor can be brushed or brushless. The brushed DC motor can beshunt wound, separately excited, series wound, compound wound, apermanent magnet, a servomotor or a universal type motor. The AC motorcan be, but is not limited to an induction motor, synchronous motor orlinear motor type.

The motor can also have a belt drive transmission with a belt to attachto a fan impeller bearing to rotate an impeller. Alternatively a motorcan have a direct drive connection to the impeller to rotate it.Alternatively, the motor can have a gear box with gears that mesh withthe gears of an impeller bearing to rotate an impeller.

The housing and handle of the hairdryer can be made from, but is notlimited to the following materials: plastics, composites, ceramics ormetals. In preferred embodiments, the housing and handle are made fromthermoset plastics or temperature safe composites.

The impeller or fan, can be, but is not limited to an open, semi-open orenclosed type. The impeller can be made out of any high temperatureresistant plastic, ceramic, composite or metal. In preferred embodimentsthe impeller is made out of a heat resistant thermoplastic or composite.The impeller blades can be uniform or non-uniform in shape.Additionally, the impeller can have one or more blades.

In preferred embodiments, the hairdryer has a motor in the handle of thehairdryer. In an alternative embodiment, the motor can be in the mainhousing in line with the impeller. In another alternative embodiment,the motor can be in a nacelle at the bottom of the handle.

The motor is surrounded by or mounted on damping and vibration reductionribs and/or materials to reduce noise and vibration. Additionally, theinterior of the hairdryer housing can have a series of ribs, vibrationreducing fabrics and sound reducing plates to quiet the noise of themotor, impeller and fluid flow without reducing heat transfer, fan speedor fluid flow. The housing interior can also have ribs or supports toimprove airflow, improve structural support, improve heat transfer andreduce noise and/or vibration. Alternatively, there can be support,airflow, heat transfer, sound or vibration ribs separately inside thehandle, nacelle or as a standalone component inside the hairdryerhousing.

The hairdryer has a power source. In preferred embodiments the powersource is a plug or cable connected to the motor through the handlewherein the power cable has a strain relief mechanism. This mechanismcan serve doubly as a hook or loop for hanging the hairdryer assembly.In alternative embodiments, the power source can be a 360° power cord.

The refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge can have a valve orsingle use film puncture with an outlet such that the cartridge productcan release into a fluid flow stream. Alternatively, the refillableand/or interchangeable cartridge can have an outlet that connects to avalve in the housing such that the cartridge product flow from thecartridge outlet to the housing's valve for cartridge product to bereleased into the fluid flow stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a back and cutaway side view of Section A-A of ahairdryer with a cartridge primarily inside the primary outlet.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a cartridgeprimarily inside the primary outlet.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of ahairdryer with multiple cartridges primarily annularly around theprimary outlet with secondary orifices.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with multiple cartridgesprimarily annularly around the primary outlet with secondary orifices.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of ahairdryer with a primarily annular cartridge around the primary outlet.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a primarily annularcartridge outside of the primary outlet.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of ahairdryer with a primarily annular cartridge predominately inside thehairdryer body with a direct drive motor.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a primarily annularcartridge predominately inside the hairdryer body with a direct drivemotor.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a hairdryer with a non-circular main bodyhousing with a motor nacelle.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a primary inletslot on the top portion of the non-circular main body housing with amotor nacelle.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a hairdryer with a primary inlet slot onthe top portion of the non-circular main body housing with a motornacelle.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a front and detailed cutaway perspective view ofSection D-D of a hairdryer with a primary inlet slot on the top portionof the non-circular main body housing with a motor nacelle.

FIG. 14 shows a cutaway top view of Section E-E of FIG. 13 of ahairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed perspective cutaway view of Detail C of FIG. 12of the outlet of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeablecartridge.

FIGS. 16 and 18 show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of ahairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the centralportion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 17 shows rear perspective view of a hairdryer with aninterchangeable cartridge primarily inside the central portion of therear main body housing.

FIG. 19 shows a detailed cutaway side view of Detail B of FIG. 18 of theflow path of the cartridge product with a cartridge primarily inside thecentral portion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the hairdryer with aninterchangeable cartridge in the core of the housing.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of ahairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the centralportion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 23 shows in a detailed cutaway view of Detail B of FIG. 21 of therear inlet of the hairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge in thecore of the housing.

FIGS. 24 and 28 show a side and cutaway top view of Section G-G of ahairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the centralportion of the rear main body housing.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a hairdryer with a refillablecartridge in the rear of the housing and entrained air inlets at aprimarily central portion of the housing.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a front and cutaway side view of Section F-F of ahairdryer with an interchangeable cartridge primarily inside the centralportion of the rear main body housing.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a perspective and detailed perspective view ofSection D of the outlet portion of a hairdryer with a refillablecartridge in the rear of the housing and entrained air inlets at aprimarily central portion of the housing.

FIG. 31 shows a front perspective view of a hairdryer with a refillableand/or interchangeable cartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIG. 32 shows a rear perspective view of a hairdryer with a refillableand/or interchangeable cartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIGS. 33A and 33B show a front and cutaway side view of Section C-C of ahairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge in the rearof the main housing.

FIG. 34 shows a detailed cutaway view of Section D of FIG. 33B of thevalve assembly of a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeablecartridge in the rear of the main housing.

FIGS. 35A and 35B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of acartridge connected to a hairdryer with magnets.

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a cartridge connected to a hairdryerwith magnets.

FIGS. 37A and 37B show a side and cutaway front view of Section B-B of acartridge connected to a hairdryer with magnets.

FIGS. 38A and 38B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of acartridge with a diaphragm connected to a hairdryer.

FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of a cartridge with a diaphragmconnected to a hairdryer.

FIGS. 40A and 40B show a side and cutaway front view of Section B-B of acartridge with a diaphragm connected to a hairdryer.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of acartridge with a channel for product release within the cartridge.

FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of a cartridge with a channel forproduct release within the cartridge.

FIGS. 43A and 43B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of acartridge with a plurality of channels for product release within thehairdryer cartridge socket.

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of a cartridge with a plurality ofchannels for product release within the hairdryer cartridge socket.

FIGS. 45A and 45B show a front and cutaway side view of Section A-A of atapered cartridge for a hairdryer with keyway fittings.

FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a tapered cartridge for a hairdryerkeyway fittings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This invention is designed such that a hairdryer can haveinterchangeable cartridges containing various hairstyling and treatingproducts. There are varying configurations for the where and how theinterchangeable cartridges can affix to the hairdryer.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, a handheld hairdryer has a mainbody housing 501 and a handle 502. There is a motor 401 preferablyinside of handle 502. The motor 401 is powered by a power source 601.The motor 401 can be activated by a motor switch 605 which rotates animpeller 301 via a motor shaft 402 turning a motor gear 403. Theimpeller 301 draws in an amount of ambient air via a rear grill 506which is a plurality of annular openings on the body of housing 501. Thespeed that the impeller 301 rotates determines the amount of ambient airthat can enter the housing 501.

Housing 501 has a solid plate 514 on the back which prevents air, dirt,lint, hair or other objects from entering the interior of housing 501.The ambient air enters the housing 501 via an at least partially annularprimary flow path inlet 7 a through rear grill 506. The ambient air thenflows through the primary fluid flow path 7 d of the interior of housing501. At least partially annular heaters 201 inside housing 501 heat theprimary flow path 7 d or portion thereof, cartridge 101, and thecartridge contents or portion thereof, as well as a portion of theambient air entering the housing 501 through the secondary fluid flowpath 7 c. The heaters 201 are powered via the power source 601 and powerand heat to the heaters 201 can be controlled via a heat switch 606.

A cartridge 101 capable of containing liquid, gel, powdered or solidhairstyling or treating product is inserted into cartridge socket 510 atthe front of housing 501 and downstream of the impeller 301 within arotatable cartridge body 517. The rotatable cartridge body 517 hascentral cartridge socket 510 and a plurality of secondary fluid flowpath inlets 7 c for ambient air.

The heated air from the primary flow path 7 d and/or secondary flow path7 c and product from cartridge 101 can exit the housing 501 at theprimary fluid flow outlet 7 b. The cartridge 101 can be ejected, rotatedand/or activated by pressing the cartridge ejector button 603 on housing501. Alternatively, the cartridge 101 can be removed manually. Thecartridge 101 can also squirt, mist, spray or otherwise dispense thehairstyling or hair treatment product out of primary fluid flow outlets7 b, primary flow path 7 d, or secondary fluid flow path inlets 7 c bypressing product dispense button 602.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, in an alternative embodiment of ahairdryer with interchangeable hairstyling or treatment productcartridges, there can be a plurality of rotatable and interchangeablecartridges 101 at the front of the hairdryer housing 501. The cartridges101 are attached to the housing 501 via a rotatable cartridge body 517.Cartridge body 517 is optionally detachable from the housing 501, andcan rotate around the exterior of the preferably annular housing 501.

The hairdryer assembly preferably consists of housing 501 and a handle502 which contains a motor 401. The motor is powered by a power source601. The motor 401 can be activated by a motor switch 605 whichactivates an impeller 301 via a motor shaft 402 turning a motor gear403. Cartridge body 517 can rotate around housing 501 by pressing oncartridge ejector button 603 or can be rotated manually by the usertwisting cartridge body 517. Ambient air can enter the cartridge body517 and mix with the primary flow path 7 d via a plurality of fluid flowinlets 7 c. Each cartridge 101 can also squirt, mist, spray or otherwisedispense the hairstyling or hair treatment product out of one of theprimary fluid flow outlets 7 b by pressing product dispense button 602.The primary flow path 7 d is heated by at least partially annularheaters 201 located inside of housing 501 and downstream of an impeller301. The impeller 301 draws in ambient air via primary fluid flow inlet7 a located through a primarily annular rear grill 506 located onhousing 501.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, in another alternative embodimentof a hairdryer with interchangeable hairstyling or treatment productcartridges, there can be a rotatable and interchangeable or refillablecartridge 101 attached over the front outlet of the hairdryer housing501. Cartridge 101 has a flow outlet 7 b wherein the hot air, steam,mist and/or product from cartridge 101 can mix or individually flow outto style, dry and treat hair, skin, scalp or fur. Ambient air can enterthe housing 501 via a plurality of secondary airflow inlets 7 c and mixwith the primary flow path 7 d which can be heated by an at leastpartially annular heater 201 located inside of housing 501. The heateris powered by power source 601 and controlled by heat switch 606,preferably located in handle 502. The heat switch 606 controls thetemperature of the heaters 201 and thus the temperature of the primaryflow path 7 d and/or secondary airflow inlets 7 c. Additionally, theheater 201 can activate, melt, disperse or otherwise cause product fromthe cartridge 101 to exit.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 refers to another alternate embodiment for ahairdryer with a product cartridge. In FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, a cartridge101 capable of containing and releasing hairstyling and treating productis placed preferably entirely inside a cartridge mounting body 517.Cartridge mounting body 517 has a cartridge socket 510 which holds thecartridge 101 entirely in place. The cartridge mounting body 517 can beplaced on the front end of hairdryer housing 501. The cartridge mountingbody 517 has a plurality of cartridge mounting points 519 that arespaced apart creating orifices for air and cartridge product to exit thehairdryer assembly through fluid flow outlets 7 b. The outer annularportion of cartridge mounting body 510 has a plurality of inlets 7 ccapable of allowing an amount of ambient air into the housing 501 andmix with primary flow path 7 d. An at least preferably annular heater201 can heat a portion of the primary flow path 7 d, the cartridge 101and cartridge's hairstyling, treatment or product contents. The heateris activated by a heating button 606 on the handle 502. Alternatively,the heater can be activated by a remote source or device (not shown).

The cartridge 101 can be manually removed from the cartridge mountingbody 510 or a cartridge ejector button 603 preferably located on thehousing 501 but can be located on a handle 502 or on a remote device(not shown). The cartridge 101 can also be controlled by a dispensingswitch 602 which is capable of rotating cartridge mounting body 517 andcontrolling an amount of the product released from the cartridge 101. Amotor 401 which can be AC, DC or universal is powered by power source601. In this embodiment, the motor 401 is attached to an impeller 301 bydirect drive transmission. The impeller 301 can then rotate byactivating an impeller button 605 to turn the direct-drive transmissionmotor 401 connected to the impeller 301.

FIGS. 9-15 refers to another preferred embodiment of a hairdryer with aninterchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. In FIGS. 9-15 a hairdryerhas a main body housing 501 and a handle 502. A motor nacelle 512 is onthe bottom of the handle 502. The nacelle 512 has a power source 601that can be restrained by a power cord strain relief 604. There is ahook or loop 511 for hanging the hairdryer attached to the strain relief604. Alternatively, a hook or loop can be attached to the top of thehairdryer housing 501 or on a handle 502. The housing 501 has aninterchangeable cartridge 101 that can be inserted on the top of thehousing 501. A primary fluid flow path inlet 7 a is partially annularalong the top portion of the housing 501. The housing 501 has a frontface plate 513 with a front grill 505 and a rear plate 514. The frontgrill 505 has a plurality of fluid flow path outlets 7 b. There is atleast one, preferably multiple buttons or switches on the hairdryer thatcan control the speed of the impeller including a dispense button 602for allowing a squirt, burst, spray, mist or alternative dispersion ofthe cartridge product contents to exit out of the fluid flow pathoutlets 7 b and onto the user's hair, skin, scalp or fur. The cartridgecontents can also disperse out of the cartridge 101 into the primaryflow path 7 d in addition or in lieu of directly exiting out of thefluid flow path outlets 7 b.

The housing 501 has an inner wall 507 and a cartridge mounting socket510 to hold the cartridge 101. The housing has a front face 513 with afront grill 505. The inner wall 507 has a preferably primarily annularheater 201 to heat the primary flow path 7 d. The housing 501 has animpeller assembly 301 to draw ambient air in through the primarilyannular inlet 7 a. A motor 401 with a belt drive 404 is connect to theimpeller pulley 307. As the motor 401 rotates it spins the belt 404which in turn rotates the impeller pulley 307 and the impeller blades304. The housing 501 has a shaft 503 which can support a bearing 302connect to the impeller assembly 301.

FIGS. 16-18 refers to another preferred embodiment of a hairdryer withan interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. Referring to FIGS.16-18, a hairdryer has a main body housing 501, a handle 502, a powersource 601 to power a motor 401. The motor 401 has a motor shaft 402 andmotor gear 403. The motor 401, motor shaft 402, and motor gear 403 arecontained inside a handle noise and vibration reducer 504. Aninterchangeable cartridge 101 that contains a hairstyling product ortreatment can be inserted in a cavity in the rear body housing 509.There is a rear grill 506 that at least partially covers or is planarwith a primary fluid flow inlet 7 a. The rear grill 506 has a pluralityof slots that are large enough to draw in ambient air but can be smallenough to prevent dust, hair, lint or other objects from entering thecavity of the housing 501. In this embodiment, an impeller 301 isdownstream of the cartridge 101. The impeller 301 has an impellerbearing 302. At least one vane 303 which is part of the housing 501controls the direction of the fluid flow through the cavity of thehousing 501. The impeller 301 also has at least one blade 304 and animpeller gear 305 that can mesh with the motor gear 403. Ambient airdrawn into the housing 501 through the inlet 7 a along with productexiting from cartridge 101 can be heated by a preferably annular heater201 located downstream of the impeller 301. The fluid flow path iscontained within an inner wall 507 of housing 501. The heated air andcartridge product can then exit the hairdryer via front grill 505 atfluid flow path outlets 7 b.

Referring to FIG. 19, Detail B of FIG. 18, a primarily annular inlet 7 ais located toward the rear of housing 501. Dust, debris, lint, hair,fingers, or other objects can be prevented from entering the housing 501by a rear grill 506. Cartridge 101 has an inner wall 103 and an outerwall 104. Product from the cartridge 101 exits via cartridge outlet 102.The product exits from the outlet 102 into a fluid pathway 508. Thecartridge product is then dispersed, diffused, dispelled, misted,sprayed or otherwise expelled into the primary flow path 7 d of housing501 from an ejection hole 515 connected to the end of the fluid pathway508. This connection between outlet 102 and fluid pathway 508 can be,but is not limited to an O-ring, gasket or mechanical seal.

FIGS. 20-23 refers to another preferred embodiment of a hairdryer withan interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. Referring to FIGS.20-23, a hairdryer having a main housing 501, handle 502, motor andimpeller assembly 406, a dampener and vibration reducer 504 that can bepart of the housing 501, handle 502 or a separate component, and an airintake filter 518 in the handle 502. A cartridge 101 filled with hairproduct or treatment is contained in the core of the housing 501. An atleast partially annular heater 201 can heat the cartridge product andprimary air that enters through air inlets 7 a. A secondary inlet 7 callows ambient air to enter the housing 501.

The cartridge 101 has an outer 104 and inner 103 wall. Hairstylingproduct or treatment is contained inside the cartridge 101 and can exitvia at least one cartridge outlet 102 connected to at least onecartridge valve 106. The cartridge 101 has a cartridge diaphragm 107 onthe rear end. The diaphragm 107 is made of a material such that whenpressed can activate the cartridge 101 and cause cartridge product todisperse, dispel, or otherwise exit. The cartridge 101 is supported inplace by at least one cartridge standoff 109 and at least one cartridgecontainment ring 521. Cartridge product and air can exit the housing 501via at least one primary fluid flow outlets 7 b. Additionally, thediaphragm 107 can have an opening, such as an overlapping hatch with aslit, wherein a user can refill the product, treatment or hairstylingcontents.

The housing 501 has a tertiary fluid flow path 7 e that is preferablyprimarily annular on the rear portion of the housing 501. The primaryflow path 7 d flows through the interior of the housing 501 from thecavity of the handle 502 via fluid flow path 7 f. The entrained airentering via tertiary inlet 7 e is heated primarily by an entrained airheater 202.

The housing 501 has a rear face 509. Ambient air enters the housing 501at the at least partially annular inlet 7 c. The cartridge 101, with aninner 103 and outer 104 wall is supported in place by the at least onestandoff 109 and the at least one containment ring 521. Air from theinlet 7 c can mix with air and product flowing in the primary flow path7 d. Further forward, the primary flow path 7 d can mix with the flowfrom flow path 7 e.

Referring to FIG. 23, Detail B of FIG. 21, the hairdryer has a housing501 with a cartridge 101. The cartridge 101 has an internal valve 106connected with an outlet 102 where the cartridge's product can exit. Thecartridge product's release can be controlled by a cartridge actuator108. The actuator can be but is not limited to control by a button,solenoid or servo. The cartridge 101 also has a preferably flexiblediaphragm 107.

FIGS. 24-30 refer to another alternative embodiment of a hairdryer withan interchangeable and/or refillable cartridge. Referring to FIGS.24-30, a hairdryer has a main housing 501, handle 502, primary fluidflow path inlet 7 a, that is preferably annular around a rear portion ofthe housing, a rear grill 506 that prevents undesired objects enteringat 7 a from entering the housing 501, a mounting socket 510, capable ofholding a refillable cartridge 101 in place, a front face 513, asecondary fluid flow path that is at least partially annular at anapproximate midpoint along the housing 501, and a primary fluid flowpath outlet 7 b.

A motor 401 is located inside a cavity of handle 502. The motor 401 hasa shaft 402 with gears 403 on the end. The motor gears 403 mesh withimpeller gears 305 on an impeller shaft 302 that rotate an at least oneimpeller blade 304.

The cartridge 101 has a valve 106 wherein product can exit the cartridge101. The product exits via the valve 106 to a product flow pathway 508in the housing 501. The cartridge product flow pathway 508 traverses aportion of the housing 501 so the cartridge product can be heated by afirst heater 201 and a second heater 202 and subsequently exit thehousing 501 near the primary fluid flow path outlet 7 b, directly intothe secondary flow path 7 c or straight out of the primary fluid flowpath outlet 7 b. The pathway 508 has an inner surface and outer surface516.

Entrained air can enter the hairdryer housing at a preferably partiallyannular inlets 7 c. Cartridge product can exit at orifice 515 can mixwith the primary flow path 7 d before exiting at the primary fluid flowpath outlet 7 b. The primary flow path 7 d is defined by the inner wall507 of housing 501.

There can be a button 602 or multiple buttons on the handle 502 tocontrol the motor 401 speed, power to the first heater 201 and secondheater 202 and cartridge 101 product release.

The cartridge 101 containing hairstyling and treatment products islocated in cartridge socket 510. The cartridge 101 has an internal valveassembly 106 wherein the cartridge product can exit the cartridge 101via a cartridge flow duct 508. The cartridge flow duct 508 takescartridge product from the cartridge 101 along the length of the housing501 and expels the product at a front face 513 of housing 501 viaprimary fluid flow outlet 7 b. Entrained air can enter the housing 501via the at least partially annular inlet 7 a at the rear grill 506. Therear grill 506 has a plurality of punctures for ambient air to enter theinterior of the housing 501. The cartridge 101 and flow duct 508 isupstream of the impeller assembly 301. The impeller assembly 301consists of impeller blades 304, impeller bearing 302, and impeller gear305 which is connected to motor gear 403. The motor gear 403 isconnected to a motor shaft 402 which is connected to a motor 401contained in a handle 502. Release of product from the cartridge iscontrolled by dispense switch 602 on handle 502.

At least one partially annular heaters 201 heat the hair in the primaryflow path 7 d. A second at least partially annular heater 202 heat theentrained air that enters in secondary fluid flow path 7 c.

FIGS. 31-34 refer to another alternative embodiment of a hairdryer witha refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge. Referring to FIGS. 31-34,a hairdryer with a refillable and/or interchangeable cartridge 101 inthe rear of the main housing has a main housing 501, the housing 501having an interior wall 507 and a rear bearing shaft 503 having a maleand female end. The hairdryer having a handle 502, power cable/source601 to power a motor 401, a shaft 402 connected to the motor, a gear 403connected to the shaft 402, a refillable and/or interchangeablecartridge 101, at least one primarily annular heating element 201connected to the surface of interior wall 507. A primarily annular inlet7 a on the rear of housing 501 allows air to be drawn into the housing501. The fluid stream flows down primary flow path 7 d, mixing withproduct from the cartridge 101 and eventually exiting the housing 501 atprimary fluid flow outlet 7 b. A front grill/guard 505 can prevent hairor other objects from entering the fluid flow outlet 7 b. The activationand dispense of product from cartridge 101 can be done by pressingbutton 602 located on the handle 502. Alternatively, activation of theproduct from cartridge 101 can be manual or by a remote sensor (notshown).

Cartridge 101 has an inner wall 103. The cartridge product is containedwithin the inner wall 103. In one embodiment, the housing 501 has acartridge fluid flow pathway 508 that extends into the interior of thecartridge 101 by way of a tubular shaft through hub 301. Product canexit the cartridge 101 by activation of button 602 through pathway 508.The pathway 508 is connected to impeller path 306 through the hub 301 ofthe impeller such that cartridge product can pass from the cartridge 101through the pathway 508. The cartridge product exits the hub 301 atproduct ejection orifice 515 to enter primary flow path 7 d.

The impeller hub 301 has a bearing 302 for the cartridge 101 to connectinto. The impeller has at least one but preferably a plurality ofuniform or non-uniform blades 304.

FIGS. 35A, 35B, 36, 37A, 37B, 38A, 38B, 39, 40A, 40B, 41A, 41B, 42, 43A,43B, 44, 45A, 45B, and 46 are non-exhaustive embodiments of cartridgesthat can attach to the hairdryer. This hairdryer is designed such thatany style of cartridge or cartridges that can be inserted, attached orotherwise coupled and decoupled from the hairdryer. Any type ofcartridge can be used in any embodiment of the hairdryers describedherein. For example, the magnet type cartridge referenced in FIGS. 35-37can be used in any hairdryer regardless of whether the cartridge isattached at the rear, front, through the core, annularly around theprimary inlet or outlet, or in the handle.

Referring to FIGS. 35A, 35B, 36, 37A, and 37B, the cartridge 101 can beinserted into a cartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has acartridge mounting point 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 fromfalling out of place in the hairdryer. The cartridge socket 510 has atleast one magnet 113 that is capable of connecting and attaching to atleast one magnet 113 located in the cartridge shell 101. The cartridge101 has a valve or orifice 102 wherein product, treatment or nutrientscan exit the cartridge 101 and treat, dry or style a user's hair, skin,scalp or fur.

Referring to FIGS. 38A, 38B, 39, 40A, and 40B, the hairdryer cartridge101 fits into cartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has acartridge mounting point 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 fromfalling out of place in the hairdryer. The cartridge 101 has an outerchamber 112 and an inner chamber 111 with a valve, orifice or outlet 102that allows product inside the cartridge 101 to exit from the chamber101 to the user's desired target area. Additionally, the internalstructure of the cartridge 101, preferably a taper, helps cartridgeproduct exit easily from the cartridge 101 when the cartridge diaphragm107 is pressed or otherwise activated. The internal structure of thecartridge 101 can also consist of foam, baffling, a clunk pickup or anysimilar structures that allow the cartridge product to be orientedtoward the exit outlet 102 when the hairdryer is held at anyorientation.

Additionally, at least one cartridge mounting point 519 is shaped so asto dictate the orientation in the housing 501. Also, the keyedattachment points 110 dictate an external orientation that aligns withthe orientated internal structure.

Referring to FIGS. 41A, 41B, and 42, a hairdryer cartridge 101 fits intocartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has a cartridge mountingpoint 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 from falling out of place inthe hairdryer. The cartridge 101 has at least one outlet 102 whereinproduct can exit. There is a prong 520 that can attach to the at leastone outlet 102 that opens to allow product to exit the cartridge 101. Inthis embodiment, the cartridge product travels within the cartridge andexits from the cavity into the flow path outlet 7 b.

Referring to FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 44, a hairdryer cartridge 101 fits intocartridge socket 510. The cartridge socket 510 has a cartridge mountingpoint 519 that prevents the cartridge 101 from falling out of place inthe hairdryer. The cartridge 101 has at least one outlet 102 wherein thecartridge's product can exit. There is at least one channel 515 that canattach to the at least one outlet 102 that is part of the cartridgesocket 510 that opens to allow product to exit the cartridge 101.

Referring to FIGS. 45A, 45B, and 46, a cartridge 101 that can be filledand refilled with hair styling product or treatment in a hairdryer canhave a tapered shape. The cartridge 101 having a flexible diaphragm 107on the rear end. The diaphragm 107 has a resealable opening wherein auser can insert hair product and/or treatment. The cartridge 101 havingan outlet 102 wherein cartridge product can exit the cartridge 101. Thecartridge 101 having an inner 111 and outer 112 chamber, and a cartridgeattachment point 110 for attachment and detachment at various places inthe hairdryer assembly. When the user presses on a cartridge diaphragm107 the outlet 102 opens allowing cartridge product to flow, spray,mist, diffuse or otherwise disperse out of the cartridge 101 and towardsthe user's hair, skin, scalp, fur or other preferred location. In thisembodiment, the cartridge product travels within the cartridge socketand exits the cartridge socket in the flow path outlet 7 b.

Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein, it should be understand that the present inventionmight be embodied in many other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present examplesand embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention may be modified.

What is claimed:
 1. A hairdryer assembly comprising: a main housinghaving an exterior and interior surface, the housing body having atleast one inlet to allow ambient air to enter the housing and at leastone outlet to allow heated air to exit and dry a user's target area, amotor, an impeller, a power source to power the motor, a handle suchthat a user can hold the hairdryer assembly, at least one heatingelement inside the housing to heat a primary air flow entering throughthe at least one inlet, a first grill through the at least one inlet, asecond grill through the at least one outlet preventing debris fromentering the housing, a control mechanism to activate the impeller andcontrol the impeller speed, a control mechanism to activate and regulatethe at least one heating element, and at least one cartridge capable ofcontaining a hairstyling or treatment product that can be coupled anddecoupled from the hairdryer assembly and release a cartridge productupon activation by a user.
 2. The hairdryer assembly according to claim1 wherein the at least one cartridge is attached to the housing via atleast one cartridge socket that is capable of attaching and detachingfrom the housing.
 3. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 2,wherein the at least one cartridge socket is capable of rotating aroundthe housing.
 4. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein theat least one cartridge socket has a magnet that can attach and detachfrom the at least one cartridge.
 5. The hairdryer assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the motor is a belt drive motor, the impeller has abearing that the belt from the motor can attach to in order to rotatethe impeller.
 6. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe motor is a gearbox, the motor having a shaft, and the shaft having agear.
 7. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the motoris surrounded by a dampening, sound reducing and vibration reducingfoams.
 8. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the motoris surrounded by a dampening, sound reducing and vibration reducingribs.
 9. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein theimpeller is surrounded by a dampening, sound reducing and vibrationreducing foams.
 10. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe impeller is surrounded by a dampening, sound reducing and vibrationreducing ribs.
 11. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe motor is in line with the impeller in the main housing and the atleast one cartridge is attached through the central-axis of the frontoutlet.
 12. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein themotor is located in a nacelle at the bottom of the handle, and the powersource is a plug with a loop.
 13. The hairdryer assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one inlet is primarily partially annularnear the rear of the main housing.
 14. The hairdryer assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the motor is in the handle and the impeller is inthe main housing, the impeller has a gear that meshes and rotates abouta gear shaft connected to the motor.
 15. The hairdryer assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein and the at least one cartridge is attachedthrough the central-axis of the rear inlet.
 16. The hairdryer assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein there is a second primarily annularheating element inside the main housing outlet, downstream of theimpeller.
 17. The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein theat least one cartridge has a flexible diaphragm on one end that can bepressed by a user to dispel the cartridge product.
 18. The hairdryerassembly according to claim 1, wherein the handle has at least oneorifice wherein ambient air can enter the handle and cool the motor. 19.The hairdryer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least onecartridge is attached to the hairdryer assembly through the core of thehousing and the at least one cartridge can dispel cartridge product fromthe front outlet of the housing.
 20. The hairdryer assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one cartridge has a valve with an outletthat can dispel cartridge product into the interior of the housing.